On Friday, November 22, River House Arts hosts the opening for Now & Ever, a solo exhibition of recent paintings by Chicago-based artist, Andrei Rabodzeenko. In his "masterwork" series, the artist explores the "vast expressive potential” of the classical traditions through his lifelong fascination with the Renaissance. A distinct departure from contemporary art forms Rabodzeenko has explored since his emigration from Russia to the US, the artist explains: “Recently I made a very sharp turn in my painting style towards the traditional language of the so-called ‘old masters.’ Change of painting style cannot be accomplished by pushing a button on the remote. This is a real and ongoing challenge for me. Even the greatest artists continued throughout their lives to improve their mastery, so I am really excited about the new challenge of being their imaginary apprentice.”
From Russia with love…
Born in the Soviet Union in 1961, Rabodzeenko studied painting and drawing as well as interior design and architecture. He worked as an architect and interior designer in Leningrad before moving to Chicago in 1991. He has since been exhibited in numerous group and solo art shows, working in various media. Many of his pieces are now in public and private collections around the US and abroad.
Rabodzeenko keeps many doors open, unsure of which form his next inspiration might take. “It is the mystery of life, human beings in particular, that interests me the most,” he says. “Are we not the same as we were a millennium ago? My art is a connection to the continuity of time rather than to a fixed moment in history called today.”
Also on view at River House Arts, Toledo glass artist, Kristine Rumman collaborates with renowned crystal glass cutter and designer, Aidan Scully, in her newest series of interactive liquid-filled sculptural works, Coronas, while metalsmith Chelsey Hammersmith’s,
Rosaries, transforms the traditional Catholic artifact into pieces that are sacred yet personal.
Opening reception Friday November 22 5-8pm; show runs to Friday, January 10. River House Arts, 115 West Front Street, Perrysburg. 419-874-8900. riverarts.com